There are lot more places to see in India rather than going abroad (outside India) to visit various places of different geographic conditions like Dessert, Snowfall, High Mountains, Adventurous MountainRoads and many more… Hope this covers a part of Himalayas where you can spend a good time and explore Beautiful & Incredible India…

2009 is the year where the doors opened for such an opportunity to visit parts of Himalayas, India. It was sometime in June-July, where my friend Praveen was talking about such a trip and late June things came closer and to make this dream possible. Many of my friends wanted to join and couple of guys turned up finally (due to work schedules) for this wonderful trip to Leh, Ladakh (Himalayas).

All were quite looking for information all over from Internet, People (friends/relatives), books and all available resources. It was kind of set by mid-July as we concluded finally to make this trip in early August timeframe. July-August has a friendly weather to visit Himalayas.

Our plans started with looking for various places on the Map, Books and compile them to visit with Plan A, B & C. Each plan has same/different routes to visit places like Kullu, Manali, Leh-Ladakh & surroundings Mountain ranges, Kargil, Srinagar and lot of places where highest motorable passes in the Ladakh Mountain Range, Rivers, Lakes and borders of neighboring countries like China, Pakistan.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What is swine influenza?Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus thatregularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness andlow death rates in pigs.

Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avianinfluenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenzaviruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and newviruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over theyears, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four maininfluenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1.However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Aug 9: In order to prevent the spread the Swine flu virus in the state, the union government has identified the SDS Hospital & Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases, specifically for testing isolation and critical care of confirmed swine flu patients. Here is a list of information how to get tested and what is the procedure details.

H1N1 Testing Procedure at the Airport

1.Each passenger flying in from an international location is required to fill in a form which he or she will be given at the airport.

1. First you will have you will have to register at the OPD of the Hospital.

2. A specialist doctor will check you and advise regular tests.

3. Typically the doctor will ask you to get a chest X Ray and Blood test done.

4. Get your Chest X Ray done before 01:30 pm as the X Ray center closes after that time 7 pm. The Blood collection and testing center is adjacent to the OPD and you may have to go there and give your blood sample.

5. After you have given your blood sample and got you chest X Ray done, the doctor will advise you to go and wait in the Swine Flu Isolation Ward.

6. After you go back to the Swine Flu Isolation Ward, a Intern Duty Doctor will take the details mentioned in the ‘Information that you need to keep handy’ from you, he/she will check your BP, Heart Beat, Weight and will take other relevant medical details.

7. In case your Blood report has not come to the Isolation Ward and the ward is under staffed on that particular day, you will have to go and collect your report from the Lab, make sure you reach the Lab before 4 pm.

8. The Doctor will come to the Isolation ward and check your reports and will examine you for the Flu Symptoms.

9. In case you have some of the Flu Symptoms you will be given a mask immediately and your swab sample will be sent to the National Institute of Virology, Pune.

10. Depending on the severity of your symptoms you may be allowed to go home or you may be isolated at the Quarantine facility. If your tests are normal you will be allowed to go home.

What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

Prevention & Treatment

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall. As always, a vaccine will be available to protect against seasonal influenza There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Symptoms:What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Swineflu - prevention, Different types of mask that may Protect You from swineflu

THE SURGICAL MASK

This mask prevents droplets and viruses that are more than 4 microns in diameter, like the influenza virus which causes the common cold, from passing through. Best used outdoors and on public transport. Made of paper with a gelatinous layer.

Advantages

Comfortable, provides ventilation. Can fit everybody as the straps can be adjusted to fit each head size. Even children can wear it.

Disadvantages

Should be changed every four hours, or once it becomes wet with fluid. Difficult for people wearing secs as vapour will keep forming on their lenses.

THE PAPER MASK

This mask will not give much protection against swineflu or H1N1 viruses. They do not have a filter. Unlike the three-ply surgical mask. Anything with a diameter less than 5 microns will be able to pass through the paper and into the respiratory system.

Advantages

Ok for minimal use. People serving food can use it for hygiene. Not useful for those who have a cough or cold.

Disadvantages

Hardly any protection against viruses. Can tear easily because of moisture from saliva.

THE N-95 MASK

Very effective in catching very small particles as the material used to make this mask generates static electricity. Particles above 0.3 micron cannot pass through. Used to protect against highly transmissible respiratory infections such as tb.

Advantages

Made using a nonwoven technology of polypropylene fiber, that increases the density and filtering function.

Disadvantages

Breathing difficulties. Children may not be able to cover up the nose and mouth completely.